As of today, the city has reopened almost all of its parks for passive outdoor recreation including the restrooms, walking trails, basketball courts and other outdoor amenities. The playgrounds at the parks remain closed. It is recommended children do not use the playground equipment because it is not being sanitized. Residents are expected to practice social distancing including remaining six feet from others and limiting groups to 10 people or less. The community centers and gyms, the splash pad and the Environmental Learning Center at Breakers Oceanfront Park, Bethune Point Park and its adjacent skate park, and Manatee Island and its dog park remain closed. For a list of the city’s parks, please visit https://bit.ly/36pyW4V.

Also, the city’s Campbell Aquatic Center, 400 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., and Cypress Aquatic Center, 981 George W. Engram Blvd., have reopened to the public. Visitors will have their temperature checked before being allowed into each facility and should adhere to social distancing guidelines, including being six feet apart. Cypress Aquatic Center is limited to 50 people occupancy and Campbell Aquatic Center is limited to 25 people occupancy. For more information, including hours, visit https://bit.ly/3bVzZLp.

As of March 14

As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, City Hall, community centers, parks, recreational areas and all city-owned facilities have been closed until further notice. Please be assured that critical and essential city services will continue. Residents with non-essential city business are encouraged to utilize remote options for contacting and communicating with city staff. For questions, please leave a message on (386) 671-8400 and your call will be returned.

Our primary focus is to maintain a safe workplace and encourage and adopt practices to protect the health of all employees, customers, visitors and others. We want to ensure the continuity of business operations while minimizing the threat of CODVID-19 spreading in our community.

City Hall remains closed until further notice. Please be assured that critical and essential city services will continue. Residents with non-essential city business are encouraged to utilize remote options for contacting and communicating with city staff. For questions, please leave a message on (386) 671-8400 and your call will be returned.

As of March 24

Our primary focus is to maintain a safe workplace and encourage and adopt practices to protect the health of all employees, customers, visitors and others. We want to ensure the continuity of business operations while minimizing the threat of CODVID-19 spreading in our community.

As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, City Hall, community centers, parks, recreational areas and all city-owned facilities have been closed until further notice. Please be assured that critical and essential city services will continue. Residents with non-essential city business are encouraged to utilize remote options for contacting and communicating with city staff. For questions, please leave a message on (386) 671-8400 and your call will be returned.

The Memorial Day weekend will see morning high tides and hazardous rip current conditions. Beach Safety will fly the red flag and have lifeguard towers fully-staffed. The county always emphasizes that people swim in front of a staffed lifeguard tower. However, with the potential for rip currents this weekend, swimming in front of a lifeguard is more important than ever!

All beach access ramps open for Memorial Day weekend and park at a post

Vehicles must park at a blue post or conservation post, which are placed at 25 foot intervals. Beachgoers must also continue to comply with social distancing measures, which include limiting groups to six or less and maintaining at least 10 feet of distance from all other groups.

In anticipation of the busy weekend, beachgoers are encouraged to access the beach in a less-populated area. Suggested vehicle access ramps to hit the sand sooner and easily maintain distancing are Milsap Road and Harvard Drive in Ormond Beach; Williams Avenue and Hartford Avenue in Daytona Beach; and Botefuhr Avenue, Minerva Road, Florida Shores Boulevard, Van Avenue and El Portal Street in Daytona Beach Shores. A full list of vehicle access ramps is available at volusia.org/beachdriving.

Due to soft sand, the section of beach from Granada Boulevard to Cardinal Drive is four-wheel drive only. High tides may delay the opening of some vehicle access ramps. Beachgoers should consider using an off-beach parking lot, which are open at full capacity from Ormond-by-the-Sea to New Smyrna Beach.

Vehicle ramps will open no earlier than 8 a.m., and all vehicles must exit the beach before 7 p.m

Weekend vehicular access ramp openings and closures are also shared on social media. Beachgoers are encouraged to follow Volusia County Beaches on Facebook and Twitter, visit www.volusia.org/beach, download the Volusia Beaches mobile app on the Google Play or App Store, or call 386-239-6414.

When did the Governor’s Executive Order take effect? How long does it last?The Governor’s Executive Order takes effect Monday, May 4, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and lasts until the Governor issues a subsequent order.

Is the “Safer at Home” Order over?The Governor’s Executive Order 20-91, Essential Services and Activities is extended until 12:01 a.m. Monday, May 4, by Executive Order 20-111. At that point, Executive Order 20-112 will maintain limitations on the movements of persons except for those businesses and services that are currently open and those businesses that re-open at 25 percent building occupancy.

Does this order apply to all Florida counties? This order is in effect statewide, however in coordination with Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach county mayors, these three counties will follow stricter protocol without the re-open provisions of Executive Order 20-112.

Is the Governor’s Executive Order consistent with the President’s Opening Up America Again Plan?Governor DeSantis met with President Trump on April 28th to discuss this plan and the President was very supportive of Florida’s efforts to take a safe, smart, step-by-step approach to re-open Florida. See President Trump’s guidance here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/openingamerica/.

Does this Executive Order supersede local law?The Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 limiting the movements of persons has been incorporated and modified in the new Executive Order 20-112 to include businesses currently open and certain businesses re-opening at 25 percent building occupancy. The Governor’s Executive Orders do not contain a preemption on local rules where those rules restrict or close businesses or buildings.

When can we expect Phase 2 to start?Once the Governor determines it is suitable to continue re-opening and after fully considering medical data in consultation with state health officials.

MEDICAL

Can I go to my doctor if it’s not COVID-19 related? Medical services, including elective procedures, surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental offices, orthodontic offices, endodontic office and other health care practitioners offices may fully re-open. As a condition of resuming elective procedures, hospitals will be required to assist nursing homes and long-term care facilities in their efforts to protect the vulnerable.However, they must maintain adequate bed capacity and PPE. They must also have the capacity to immediately convert additional surgical and intensive care beds in a surge situation and must not have received or sought any additional federal, state or local government assistance regarding PPE after resuming elective procedures.

May senior citizens and individuals with significant medical conditions leave their homes to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, or go for a walk, or go to work?Yes, they may leave their homes to obtain or provide open services or conduct open activities.

Can individuals visit nursing homes and long-term care facilities? No, those restrictions will remain in place in Phase 1 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery and with conditions set by the Agency for Health Care Administration.

TRAVEL

Is airport screening and isolation in effect for visitors from highly affected COVID-19 areas? Yes, this order extends Executive Order 20-80, Airport Screening and Isolation, and Executive Order 20-82, Isolation of Individuals traveling to Florida, with exceptions for military, emergency, health, infrastructure or commercial related activity.

BUSINESS

Can I open my business? Restaurants will be allowed to re-open, with full outdoor seating. Indoor seating will be allowed at 25 percent of building capacity. On-site sale and retail businesses will be allowed to operate at 25 percent occupancy.If your business is open, it may remain open and should continue appropriate social distancing and sanitation measures. Also, any activity or work that has been available under the previous order remains available. Businesses should adopt appropriate social distancing and sanitation measures.

What businesses will remain closed?Bars, nightclubs and gyms will remain closed during Phase 1 of re-opening. While personal care services such as barbershops and salons with close contact should remain closed, the portions of those businesses with on-site retail sales may re-open at 25 percent building occupancy.

May my business and its employees continue to operate remotely and provide delivery of our product? Yes, all businesses are encouraged to provide delivery or pickup and to take orders online or by telephone.

Are there minimum health protocols that must be met to open my business?Yes, the Governor’s Executive Order 20-112 requires appropriate social distancing and limits groups to 10 people or fewer. Regulated businesses should adhere to agency guidance. Additionally, businesses should consult with the most up-to-date Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

What do I need to do to open my business?Review the requirements of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-112. Also review any guidance that has been provided from state and federal regulatory agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Do employee temperature checks need to be done?For restaurants, employee protocols remain in place under the Governor’s Executive Order. Other businesses should adopt appropriate measures based on CDC guidance.

Are masks required for employees and customers?The Governor’s Executive Order does not mandate the use of masks. However customers, employees and employers should consult CDC guidance.

If a business exceeds 25 percent capacity, do they get fined?Yes, enforcement penalties remain in place including a second-degree misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Certain regulated businesses may face enforcement action for violations from their regulatory agency.

Should individuals go to facilities that have not re-opened?Individuals should travel only to businesses that have been open or are now re-opened.

Who enforces compliance?Local and state law enforcement continue to enforce Executive Orders, along with the regulatory agencies that oversee businesses.

ACTIVITES

Can I visit or travel to a family member?Yes, if caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.

May I exercise outside or participate in recreational activities?Yes, if consistent with social distancing guidelines as published by the CDC.

Are gyms open? No, gyms and fitness centers should remain closed.

Can I go to a professional sporting event? No, sporting venues may operate but without spectators.

May churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship hold services?Yes. The Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 identified attending religious services at churches, synagogues and places of worship as an open activity. While that order did not place restrictions directly on any building or venue, many local orders have done so. Any building or venue that is open should continue to follow appropriate social distancing and sanitation procedures. The Florida Department of Health encourages them to follow CDC guidance specific to faith organizations.

Can I rent or stay at a vacation rental?No, the prohibition on vacation rentals remains in effect.

Are state parks and beaches open?The Governor’s Executive Orders have not closed beaches other than those at the request of Broward and Palm Beach counties (Executive Order 20-90). Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection will announce a phased-in re-opening of state parks.

May childcare centers remain open?Yes, if currently able to open and as long as they follow proper social distancing protocols. Florida Department of Education has prioritized children of medical professionals and first responders working at businesses or operations that are essential services, to the extent those childcare centers adhere to social distancing.

Are museums and libraries open? Museums and libraries may open at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy as long as their local government allows. Interactive shared exhibits, like child play areas, remain closed.

LOCAL GOVERNANCE & ENFORCEMENT

Are local authorities allowed to adopt requirements directly on businesses, operations or venues, including buildings, beaches and parks, that may be stricter than the Governor’s Executive Order?Yes.

How is the Governor’s Executive Order enforced?By law enforcement. Violation of the Governor’s Executive Order is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Where can I report a business that violates the Governor’s Executive Order?Local law enforcement.

Do I need a special permit to leave my house if I am going to an essential service or essential activity? No. Some businesses may wish to provide a letter to employees to clarify that their business is indeed an open service.

The Florida Department of Health has also established a dedicated Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-779-6121 that is available 24 hours a day seven days a week, as well as a dedicated email address at COVID-19@flhealth.gov which the public can use for questions or clarifications on issues related to the Coronavirus.

We continue to monitor developments in regard to COVID-19 and our communities are following government and health guidelines. Everyone plays a part in lowering the impact within our communities and workplaces – taking every day preventative actions helps to impede the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Please visit the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website for information on vacationing in Daytona Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To further combat the spread of COVID-19 in the City of Daytona Beach, Mayor Derrick Henry is encouraging all residents to adhere to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ "Safer At Home” Executive Order issued Wednesday, April 1, which directs all Florida residents to shelter at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs through April 30.

You Can

Go to the grocery store, convenience or warehouse store

Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities

Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)

Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru

Go for a run, take a walk, ride your bike, enjoy a hike, and be in nature for exercise – just keep at least six feet between yourself and others

Walk your pets and take them to the veterinarian if necessary

Care for or support a friend or family member

Help someone to get necessary supplies

Receive deliveries from any business which delivers

You Should Not

Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by the Governor’s order

Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need

Maintain less than six feet of distance from others when you go out

Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facility, except for limited exceptions as provided on the facility’s website

As of March 25, 2020At the Tuesday, March 24, City Commission meeting, the city’s emergency declaration was extended through Wednesday, April 1, and commissioners adopted additional measures to prevent the spread of #COVID19. The additional measures include the closure of community pools, bingo halls, card rooms, community meeting facilities (excluding, however, houses of worship implementing social distancing as recommended by the CDC), and all group sporting, practice and exercise venues involving close physical contact or sharing of equipment among participants, regardless of whether such facilities are on public or private property. These additional measures were put in place to encourage social distancing and follow the CDC guidelines of no more than 10 people together at once.At the meeting, the commissioners also voted and agreed (6 to 1) to draft a resolution to be sent to the Volusia County Council urging them to immediately closed the beaches in order to mitigate against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to further protect the health and safety of the citizens of the City of Daytona Beach and Volusia County.

As of March 24, 2020As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, City Hall is closed until further notice. Please be assured that critical and essential city services will continue. Residents with non-essential city business are encouraged to utilize remote options for contacting and communicating with city staff. For questions, please leave a message on (386) 671-8400 and your call will be returned.

As of March 23, 2020There will be an emergency special City Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at City Hall located at 301 S. Ridgewood Ave. At the meeting, the commission are expected to amend or extend the emergency order related to prevention measures the city has taken to help prevent the spread of #COVID19. To encourage social distancing and follow the CDC guidelines of no more than 10 people together at once, special provisions will be made to accommodate the public including limited seating available in the lobby area. The meeting will be on DBTV, which can be accessed from www.codb.us, and Spectrum Channel 490.

As of March 20, 2020Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an Executive Order today that orders:

All gyms and fitness centers are to close. Gyms and fitness centers in hotels, a residential building, in interior fire and police stations and inside any single-occupant office building are exempt.

As of today at 5 p.m. all city-operated community centers and parks will be closed until further notice. Also all city Leisure Services programs, including baseball, t-ball, soccer and youth Spring Break program, have been suspended until further notice.

As of March 18, 2020The City Commission convened for a special meeting Tuesday, March 17, to ratify the declaration of a Local State of Emergency and Executive Order, which was originally signed by Mayor Derrick Henry Friday, March 13. The most recent amended version incorporates provisions included in Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order, which was also issued on March 17. The most recently approved declaration is in effect through March 24.

The city’s declaration does not impose any additional business-related restrictions which are stricter than the state-issue order.

The city’s executive order includes the following:

All public meetings of the City Commission and Advisory Board are canceled.

All city-issued permits for outdoor events are revoked.

The issuance of all new permits for outdoor events and facility-use rentals has been suspended.

All of the city-hosted programs for senior citizens and the Mayor’s Literacy Initiative has been suspended.

All public or private community events at city parks and city-owned facilities have been canceled or postponed.

This includes activities at the Peabody Auditorium, Municipal Stadium, the Bandshell, Jackie Robinson Stadium, and city community centers and recreation facilities.

Breakers Park and Ritchey Plaza are closed to the public.

The Daytona Beach Pier and associated parking lots remain open.

Organizers of events are strongly encouraged to postpone or cancel in-person events with 10 or more people for the next eight weeks.

Submission of bids and Requests for Proposals can be submitted electronically.

City utility customers will not be discontinued or disconnected due to non-payment of fees while this declaration is in effect.

On March 24, City Commissioners approved a multi-pronged incentive package aimed to provide immediate financial relief to Daytona Beach residents and business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The projected value of the program, which offers three different incentives, is about $5.65 million.

The first method of financial assistance will be to fund a significant portion of utility bills next month using $4 million of General Fund reserves. Utility bills in April will be automatically adjusted or credited for the 22,858 billing accounts within the city of Daytona Beach. Specifically, a credit will be shown for the amount of water, sewer, recycling and public service tax. Not included in the credit will be fees associated with stormwater, solid waste and the landfill.

The next incentive will be to suspend fees for building permits for the next 90 days, beginning on March 25. (This does not include impact fee payments and doesn’t waive the need to apply for a permit.) All residential and commercial permits for projects will be included for anything from fences, roofs and swimming pools to construction of new homes and commercial buildings.

Waiving commercial tenants’ rent at city-owned facilities such as Joe’s Crab Shack at the Daytona Beach Pier, Jackie Robinson Ballpark, the Golf Club’s restaurant, tenants at the Marina Plaza, etc. for up to 90 days is the final incentive. City Manager Jim Chisholm will review options with each lessee.

County expands grants available for small businessesVolusia County is accepting applications for a $10 million grant program aimed at helping small businesses recover financially from the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying businesses may be eligible to receive a one-time reopening grant. Businesses that have 25 employees or less may be eligible to receive $3000 or businesses that have between 26 and 50 employees may be eligible for $5,000. The grant is to help them recover from the negative financial consequences resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and relaunch their Volusia County business.

To qualify for the county grant program, businesses must certify that they suffered a financial impact of at least $3,000 due to COVID-19, and that the loss wasn’t reimbursed by insurance or some other governmental assistance program. Qualifying impacts can be anything from a loss of revenue due to an interruption in business to the cost of installing things like plexiglass dividers, UV sanitizing cabinets and hand sanitizing stations needed to resume normal business operations. With 12,000 small businesses in Volusia County, there’s enough money for approximately 3,300 of them to receive a county grant. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with the application posted on the county’s new Volusia Business Resources website, click on “County.”

For small businesses to qualify, they must be a physical business located in a commercial or industrial space, licensed to operate in Volusia County or the local city where they’re located if a license is required and were operational and actively conducting business in Volusia County on or before Dec. 1, 2019. Tax exempt businesses and businesses that are either a publicly traded company or a subsidiary of a publicly traded company don’t qualify for the program. A complete list of qualification criteria is listed on the county’s new Volusia Business Resources website, click on “County.”

As of May 13, 2020

County grants available for small businessesVolusia County is accepting applications beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 14, for a $10 million grant program aimed at helping small businesses recover financially from the COVID-19 pandemic. Local businesses that meet the criteria, including having no more than 25 full-time employees or the equivalent number of part-time employees, can qualify for a one-time, $3,000 grant under the program.To qualify for the county grant program, businesses must certify that they suffered a financial impact of at least $3,000 due to COVID-19, and that the loss wasn’t reimbursed by insurance or some other governmental assistance program. Qualifying impacts can be anything from a loss of revenue due to an interruption in business to the cost of installing things like plexiglass dividers, UV sanitizing cabinets and hand sanitizing stations needed to resume normal business operations. With 12,000 small businesses in Volusia County, there’s enough money for approximately 3,300 of them to receive a county grant. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with the application posted on the county’s new Volusia Business Resources website, click on “County.”For small businesses to qualify, they must be a physical business located in a commercial or industrial space, licensed to operate in Volusia County or the local city where they’re located if a license is required and were operational and actively conducting business in Volusia County on or before Dec. 1, 2019. Tax exempt businesses and businesses that are either a publicly traded company or a subsidiary of a publicly traded company don’t qualify for the program. A complete list of qualification criteria is listed on the county’s new Volusia Business Resources website, click on “County.”

As of March 27, 2020

The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce has established a website with information for businesses affected by COVID-19.

The governor has activated the Emergency Bridge Loan program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19.

For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan Program, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 866-737-7232 or email Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org.

The governor also has an Emergency Business Damage Assessment survey for COVID-19.

The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.

Businesses and non-profits can access the Business Damage Assessment survey at FloridaDisaster.BIZ Select “COVID-19” from the drop-down menu on the survey page.

Response to the Business Damage Assessment survey is not an application for assistance.

Florida has been approved for the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. For more information, visit www.SBA.gov/disaster.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Tuesday, March 17, in an effort to reduce density and crowds in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Below are details from the Executive Order:

Bars, Pubs and NightclubsA. Pursuant to sections 252.36(5)(g)-(h), Florida Statutes, any licensee authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises that derive more than 50% of its gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages shall suspend all sale of alcoholic beverages for thirty days from the date of this order, effective at 5 p.m. today, March 17, 2020.

B. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall utilize its authorities under Florida law to further implement and enforce the provisions of this Section and shall take additional measures with respect to bars, pubs and nightclubs as necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

BeachesPursuant to section 252.36(5)(k), Florida Statutes, I direct parties accessing public beaches in the State of Florida to follow the CDC guidance by limiting theirs gatherings to no more than l O persons, distance themselves from other parties by 6 feet, and support beach closures at the discretion of local authorities.

RestaurantsA. Pursuant to section 252.36(5)(g), Florida Statutes, a restaurant shall immediately limit its occupancy to 50% of its current building occupancy.

B. Pursuant to section 252.36(5)(g), Florida Statutes, a restaurant shall follow the CDC guidance by ensuring, at minimum, a 6-foot distance between any group of patrons and limiting parties to no more than IO individuals.

C. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall ensure all restaurants implement employee screening and prohibit any employee from entering the restaurant premises if they meet any of the criteria listed below: 2 I) Any person infected with COVID-19 who has not had two consecutive negative test results separated by 24 hours; 2) Any person showing, presenting signs or symptoms of, or disclosing the presence of a respiratory infection, including cough, fever, shortness of breath or sore throat; 3) Any person who has been in contact with any person(s) known to be infected with COVID-19, who has not yet tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 14 days; 4) Any person who traveled through any airport within the past 14 days; or 5) Any person who traveled on a cruise ship within the past 14 days.

D. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation shall utilize its authorities under Florida law to further implement and enforce the provisions of this Section and shall take additional measures with respect to bars, pubs and nightclubs as necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

For purposes of this section, "restaurant" shall include any Food Service Establishment, licensed under Chapter 500, Florida Statutes, and Public Food Service Establishment, licensed under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes.

According to the Governor’s order, here’s a basic list of all essential businesses allowed to remain open and must institute social distancing practices.

Health care workers

Law enforcement and other first responders

Groceries, pharmacies and convenience stores

Restaurants serving take-out or delivery

Grocery delivery services

Gas stations

Banks and other financial institutions

Hardware stores

Mailing and shipping companies

Private colleges

Laundromats and dry cleaners

Pet supply stores

Office supply stores

Transportation services

Newspapers, radio, television or other media companies

Energy companies

Utility companies

Factories or other industrial manufacturing services

Sanitation services

Car dealerships

Hotels

Funeral homes

Marinas and other marina services

University and college dormitories

Firearm stores

Any business providing services to the government

Florida Division of Emergency Management also has a website - www.floridadisaster.org – where people can ask about whether or not their business/job function is considered essential under the Governor’s “Safer At Home” Executive Order through an online inquiry form.